A Market Operation Balancing Agreement (MOBA) is a legal contract between a system operator and a balancing service provider (BSP) that outlines the terms and conditions for balancing supply and demand in the electricity market. The MOBA is an essential component of the market-based approach to managing power systems, where the system operator relies on market forces to ensure that supply and demand are balanced in real-time.
The following are some of the key elements typically included in a MOBA:
- Balancing responsibility: The agreement specifies the responsibilities of the BSP for maintaining the balance of the electricity system. This includes requirements for responding to changes in demand or supply, managing reserves, and providing ancillary services to support system stability.
- Performance requirements: The MOBA establishes performance requirements for the BSP, including targets for the accuracy and timeliness of balancing actions, as well as penalties for failure to meet these targets.
- Payment structure: The agreement outlines the payment structure for the BSP, including compensation for balancing services provided, as well as penalties or incentives for over- or under-delivery of balancing services.
- Dispute resolution: The MOBA specifies the process for resolving disputes between the system operator and the BSP. This may include procedures for escalation and arbitration in the event of a disagreement.
- Regulatory compliance: The agreement outlines the requirements for regulatory compliance, including compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Overall, the MOBA is a critical component of the market-based approach to managing power systems. The agreement establishes a clear framework for balancing supply and demand in real-time, while also ensuring that the BSP is held accountable for their performance and compensated fairly for their services. Experienced legal and technical professionals typically draft and negotiate these agreements, working closely with the system operator and the BSP to ensure that the agreement meets the needs of all parties involved.
